Summer is a busy time of year for many missionaries who help manage camp programs with Global Partners, the missions division of The Wesleyan Church.
Missionaries administer various types of camps for students, often times assisted by volunteers–both locals within the country and those who travel from far away. By attending these camps many youth hear the gospel and place their faith in Christ.
Camps were held in five locations during the summer 2012.
In Albania, more than 40 teens attended English camp in early July. They were challenged as they heard nightly messages about Jesus, and many seeds were planted in their hearts throughout the week. Ministry in this Eastern European country can be difficult at times, as the government’s official stance is atheism, and many Albanians have Muslim backgrounds. Albanians face the additional challenge of living in one of the poorest countries in Europe.
Farther east in Australia, Global Partners’ missionaries Sean and Sam Schwarze participated in July’s youth camp held for those in the North Queensland District. More than 30 kids heard sound Bible teaching and enjoyed camp games and activities in a country that maintains a very secular society where few attend church on the weekend.
In Croatia, a country where the Catholic Church is highly influential, the Global Partners missions team held its first English day camp. Thirty-one children studied English during the week. The camp gave Global Partners missionaries an opportunity to increase their presence in the community. Hosting the camp also allowed missionaries to build greater trust with the families that the team has been building relationships with over the past few years.
For years, campers in the Czech Republic have learned more English and played sports and various camp activities (including a nighttime scavenger hunt and have also heard the gospel). For some, this is the first time they’ve heard the gospel since Operation World reports that Czech “has not been a particularly religious society for hundreds of years.” Missionaries report that some campers are no longer as skeptical about Jesus and are now open to discussion about him. And others asked more questions about what it means to believe in Jesus. Camp staff say they were able to encourage many attendees, including those who talked about their personal struggles associated with following God.
An English camp was held in Poland in July, where Becky Locke serves as Global Partners first missionary to the country. During the week, teens were invited to place their faith in Christ and seven youth made that life-changing decision.
“We are grateful for the faithful prayers of many that have resulted in decisions by campers to follow Christ,” said Peter Moore, director of operations for Global Partners.
Pictured: Youth camp in Australia.